A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
By Rita J. Egan
Spring-like weather provided a “great day for the Irish” in Kings Park on Saturday, March 1.
A few thousand people lined up along the hamlet’s main thoroughfares to cheer on participants in the 15th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Grand Marshal Susan Benjes led the procession and was joined by Scouts, fire department members, elected officials, Irish step dancers and more. Parade participants marched up Lou Avenue and Pulaski Road and continued on Main Street before turning north on Church Street and stopping at William T. Rogers Middle School.
Many spectators, who in the past would visit Main Street Pub for a drink during the parade, stopped by nearby tents to donate to the establishment this year. A few days before the parade, the fire left the bar and Euro Barber Shop with extensive fire, heat and smoke damage. Main Street Pub owner Scott McKinnon and his employees were on hand Saturday to thank those who donated by handing out refreshments.
The Suffolk County Farm will host a St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt on March 8. METRO photo
PROGRAMS
Thankful Thursdays
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Thankful Thursdays series with a free family-friendly planetarium show on March 6 at 7 p.m. After the show, they will open the observatory to the public and an astronomy educator will invite you to look through a telescope at the night sky (weather permitting). Recommended for ages 8 and up. For complimentary tickets, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
First Steps Into Nature
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature: Fun with Feathers for children ages 2 to 4 on March 7 at 9:30 a.m. Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and more. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344
Skate into STEM
Ready for a thrilling night on the ice? Enjoy a STEM takeover at the Rinx, Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson with the Long Island Explorium’s Skate into STEM: Celebrating 20 Years of Innovation event on March 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring a night of ice skating, pizza, drinks and interactive experiments in celebration of science, technology, engineering and math. $35 per person. To register, please visit www.longislandexplorium.org.
St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt
Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Road Yaphank will hold its annual St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt on March 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Leprechaun’s are back and they’ve hidden their gold all across the farm! $15 for ages 3 and up (ages 2 and under are free) includes a scavenger hunt, wagon rides, photo ops and farm animals! Registration is required for both children and adults. Rain Date is March 15. For more information, call 631-852-4600. Tickets can be purchased using the link: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/stpats25
Guided Beach Walk
Town of Brookhaven kicks off its Spring Nature Programs for 2025 with a See by the Sound guided beach walk at West Meadow Beach in Stony Brook on March 8 at 10 a.m. and at the Cedar Beach Nature Center in Mount Sinai at 2 p.m. Come explore shells, gulls and other treasures on the shore. Free but registration required by emailing [email protected].
‘Leprechaun Dancing Feet’
Kids Painting Workshop
The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 & 9, St. James presents an in-studio, one day kids workshop on Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early and learn how to paint this “Dancing Leprechaun Feet” painting step by step with Miss Linda. $55 per child includes an 11″ by 14″ canvas and all art supplies. To register, visit theatelieratflowerfield.org. For more information, please call 631-250-9009.
Scrap the Winter Blues Away
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown presents a family program, Scrap the Winter Blues Away, on March 8 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.Make a nature inspired scrapbook keepsake! Supplies will be provided. Bring pictures and any other special items to add to your pages. $4 per person. Registration required at www.eventbrite.com.
Superheroes of the Sky
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Superheroes of the Sky on March 8 from 11 a.m. to noon. Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds the Center’s birds of prey and learn about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing a bald eagle, turkey Vultures, owls, hawks and many more. Fee is $10 adults, $5 children. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.
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My Grown-Up and Me
Temple Beth El, 660 Park Ave., Huntingtonpresents My Grown Up & Me, a program for ages 18 months to 4 years, on March 9 from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Children and a parent or caregiver will enjoy a craft, snacks and storytime. $20 per child. For more info or to RSVP, email: [email protected]. 631-425-5835
Women in Science!
In honor of Womens History Month, Nissequogue River State Park, 799 St. Johnland Road, Kings Park presents a family program, Women in Science!, on March 9 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Learn about the women who made our scientific advancements possible. Fee is $4 per person. Reservations taken at www.eventbrite.com.
Happy Birthday Girl Scouts!
In honor of the Girl Scouts anniversary, all Girl Scouts wearing their uniform with an accompanying adult will receive a free Hatchery Tour at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor on March 9 at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. with paid admission. 516-692-6768
Story & Craft with Nana Carol
The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on March 10 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008
Life Cycles
As part of its Pollywog Adventures series, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents Life Cycles on March 12 at 11 a.m. Children ages 2 to 5 will enjoy an activity, craft, story and feeding the hungry trout. $20 fee includes admission for the day for one child and one adult. Pre-registration required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768
Homeschool Hangout
Join Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a Homeschool Hangout, a get-together designed for homeschooled children ages 5 to 12 on March 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy casual hangout time before diving into creative group crafts, experiments and activities including bracelet making and building leprechaun traps Questions? Email [email protected].
THEATER
‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’
Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 19 to March 29. Join them for an unforgettable trip down the Yellow Brick Road as Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical’
Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Diary ofa Wimpy Kid The Musical from March 22 to April 27. Read the books? Watched the movies? Now experience the musical! Middle school, ugh. It’s the worst. But Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. He’ll leave that to his weird neighbor, Fregley. Or maybe Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson. But it’s not going to be Greg…no way. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
FILM
Catch a screening of ‘Harry and the Hendersons’ at the Cinema Arts Centre on March 9.
‘Harry and the Hendersons’
As part of its Cinema for Kids series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents Harry and the Hendersons on March 9 at noon. Everything changes with a crash for the Hendersons when they meet a real-life Bigfoot named Harry after a car accident. When the authorities set out to capture him, the household comes together in a race against the clock to return the loving Sasquatch to his natural habitat. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org
The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 & 9, St. James presents an in-studio, one day kids workshop on Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to noon
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early and learn how to paint this “Dancing Leprechaun Feet” painting step by step with Miss Linda.
$55 per child includes an 11″ by 14″ canvas and all art supplies.
To register, visit theatelieratflowerfield.org or click below. For more information, please call 631-250-9009.
'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc
'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc
'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc
'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
Join Dorothy and Toto for Theatre Three's 'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz' this weekend!
Photo courtesy of Theatre Three Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc
'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc
'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc
The cast of 'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz.' Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
By Julianne Mosher
Theatre Three’s latest children’s show has a lot of brains, heart and courage, but you certainly won’t want to go home.
An original musical adapted from the stories of L. Frank Baum by Jeffrey Sanzel and Douglas J. Quattrock, Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz is a fun-filled tale of the timeless classic that will have families in the audience smiling from ear to ear.
As the show opens, we meet Dorothy Gale (Cassidy Rose O’Brien), chief editor of her high school newspaper, the Baum Bugle. She brings her dog Toto (Tasha Poyfair) around, much to her teachers’ dismay, and unintentionally hurts her best friend, Judy Gumm’s (Sophia Del Carmen) feelings when she cuts her story from the latest edition.
We meet her teachers, Mr. Green (Jason Furnari), the nasty Miss Ravine (Louisa Bikowski) and the sweet Miss Morgan (Julia Albino), along with her principal, Mr. Henry (Liam Marsigliano), who all warn Dorothy to get inside before a big storm comes by.
A tornado hits and when Dorothy awakes, her newspaper stand has fallen upon a witch wearing ruby red slippers. She’s greeted by Glinda (Albino), the Good Witch of the North, along with the people of Munchkinland (Del Carmen, Marsigliano and Furnari) who declare her a hero for killing the Wicked Witch of the East. Glinda tells Dorothy to take the ruby slippers because they hold magical powers and the evil Wicked Witch of the West (Bikowski) wants them for herself.
Dorothy just wants to go home and in order to do that she must see the great and powerful Wizard of Oz in Emerald City. All she has to do is follow the yellow brick road which leads her down a trailway of surprises and adventure.
On the first stop she meets the loveable Scarecrow (Katy Snair) who wants to ask the Wizard for a brain. The duo head further down the road and run into the stiff, yet emotional, Tinman (Steven Uihlein) who is looking for a heart. After some trials and tribulations, thanks to the evil witch watching their every move from her lair, they meet the soft Lion (Sean Amato) who wants courage (and to stop being such a scaredy cat!).
Do the four new friends make it to the Emerald City and does the Wizard make all their wishes come true? That’s for you to find out.
Directed by Sanzel with musical direction from Quattrock, Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz features wonderful original songs and fantastic choreography from Sari Feldman. While the set is small, the theater does a great job of letting your imagination run free, along with the help of a trap door on stage where someone may or may not melt into.
But what truly stands out, alongside the professionalism, talent and commitment to character from the amazing cast, are the costumes designed by Jason Allyn. From Dorothy’s signature blue and white gingham dress; the scarecrow, tinman and lion’s costumes; all the way to the gowns of the elite Emerald City citizens, the outfits are stunning.
So, buy your tickets now or the Wicked Witch will get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too! And don’t forget to stop by the lobby on your way out for a group photo with the cast.
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz through March 29 with a sensory friendly performance on March 2 at 11 a.m. Children’s theater continues with The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 16 to May 10; and Snow White and the The Seven Dwarfs from May 29 to June 21. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Suffolk County Community College, 1001 Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood presents the Long Island Pet Expo on March 1 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and March 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with fur flying entertainment, dog sporting competitions and educational programs designed for the whole family.
The event returns to Suffolk County Community College Grant Campus in the Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena and features many special attractions, pet adoptions and outstanding shopping for pet lovers and their pets.
“The Long Island area is passionate about animals and pets of all kinds,” said show co-producer Karen Garetano of Family Pet Shows, which runs several similar events in the northeast.
Photo courtesy of Family Pet Shows
The 100+ special exhibits always feature some of the hottest new products coming out often before they hit the retail shelves. Pets on leashes are always welcome, and several area rescue groups with adoptable pets will be on hand.
Popular performers and presenters include Gail Mirabella and the Dynamo Dogs, Diana Frohman and her Beautiful Dancing Dogs, Schutzhund Demonstration by Maximum K9 Service, Zenos Dog Run Lure Course, Rainforest Reptiles Shows, TICA Championship Cat Shows, Rabbit Hopping, Parties by Parrots and more!
“We always have fun at these events, but we also are strong supporters of responsible pet ownership and humane values when it comes to all issues involving animals and pets,” said Garetano. “We partner with several community organizations, shelters, veterinarians and other animal lovers educate and inform when it comes to best practices for training, feeding and all aspects of pet care.”
Community and rescue organizations will be participating in the show where attendees can learn about pet adoptions as well as responsible ownership and care.
The event is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees over the weekend. Adult admission is $20, Kids 4-11 are $6, and those three years old and under are always free. For discount tickets and additional information, visit www.familypetshows.com.
Children can learn about Animals in Winter at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery on March 5.
Pixabay photo
PROGRAMS
First Steps Into Nature
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature: Fun with Feathers for children ages 2 to 4 on Feb. 28 at 9:30 a.m. Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and more. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344
February Break at the Hatchery
Celebrate World Wildlife Day at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor on March 2 and March 3 with a snake craft and a Fact vs. Fiction game from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Animal Encounters on March 2 at 12:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Free with admission of $7 adults, $6 seniors and $5 children ages 3 to 12. www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768
Story & Craft with Nana Carol
The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on March 3 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008
Animals in Winter
As part of its Pollywog Adventures series, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents Animals in Winter on March 5 at 11 a.m. Children ages 2 to 5 will enjoy an activity, craft, story and feeding the hungry trout. $20 fee includes admission for the day for one child and one adult. Pre-registration required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768
Ways of Water
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Ways of Water, on March 6 at 10:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 with a parent/caregiver will enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. Reservations taken on www.eventbrite.com.
Skate into STEM
Enjoy a STEM takeover at the Rinx, Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson with the Long Island Explorium’s Skate into STEM: Celebrating 20 Years of Innovation event on March 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring night of ice skating, pizza, and drinks in celebration of science, technology, engineering and math. $35 per person. To register, visit www.longislandexplorium.org.
FILM
A scene from ‘The Secret Garden’
‘The Secret Garden’
As part of its Cinema for Kids series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents The Secret Garden on March 2 at noon. Sweet, beautifully told story based on the classic story about a lonely orphan girl who goes to live with her uncle in a forbidding British manor house. There she finds friendship and happiness when she discovers a wonderous, deserted, secret garden that is brought back to life in her magical hands. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org.
THEATER
‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’
Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 19 to March 29 with a sensory friendly performance on March 2 at 11 a.m. Join them for an unforgettable trip down the Yellow Brick Road as Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Frozen Jr’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport kicks off the new year with a production of Frozen Jr. from Jan. 25 to March 2. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Superheroes of the Sky program at Sweetbriar Nature Center 02/15/25. Photo by Bill Landon
Superheroes of the Sky program at Sweetbriar Nature Center 02/15/25. Photo by Bill Landon
Superheroes of the Sky program at Sweetbriar Nature Center 02/15/25. Photo by Bill Landon
Superheroes of the Sky program at Sweetbriar Nature Center 02/15/25. Photo by Bill Landon
Superheroes of the Sky program at Sweetbriar Nature Center 02/15/25. Photo by Bill Landon
Superheroes of the Sky program at Sweetbriar Nature Center 02/15/25. Photo by Bill Landon
Superheroes of the Sky program at Sweetbriar Nature Center 02/15/25. Photo by Bill Landon
Superheroes of the Sky program at Sweetbriar Nature Center 02/15/25. Photo by Bill Landon
Superheroes of the Sky program at Sweetbriar Nature Center 02/15/25. Photo by Bill Landon
Superheroes of the Sky program at Sweetbriar Nature Center 02/15/25. Photo by Bill Landon
Superheroes of the Sky program at Sweetbriar Nature Center 02/15/25. Photo by Bill Landon
By Bill Landon
It was another edition of Superheroes of the Sky Saturday morning, Feb. 15, at the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown where a cacophony of wild birds of prey made their presence known and tour guide Jim MacDougall conducted the daily ritual of feeding the hawks, barred owls, turkey vultures and bald eagle among others at the end of Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown.
Sweetbriar Nature Center is situated on 54 acres of varied garden, woodland, field and wetland habitats on the Nissequogue River. Hundreds of species of plants and animals make their homes there.
Many of the feathered friends were injured raptors lucky enough to find safe refuge at the center where onlookers learned about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild.
Through education and examples, the center encourages responsible decision making, appreciation and respect for the unique wildlife and ecosystems found on Long Island.
The next Superheroes of the Sky program will be held on Saturday, March 8 from 11 a.m. to noon. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 children. Preregistration is required by clicking here.
For more information about the Sweetbriar Nature Center visitwww.sweetbriarnc.org.
Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York (Little Flower), a social services organization based in Wading River supporting children, youth, families and individuals with developmental disabilities across New York and Long Island, welcomed Mary J. Maguire, SPHR, CDE, to the senior executive team as the organization’s new Vice President of Human Resources and Culture, effective February 18, 2025.
With more than 20 years of experience in human resources and operations leadership, Maguire brings strategic expertise in workforce transformation, talent optimization, and culture development to support Little Flower’s mission of empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and transforming care into action.
As a key member of the Senior Executive Council, Maguire will lead the human resources strategy across the organization, ensuring that talent development, employee engagement, workforce planning, benefits, and equity and inclusion work align with Little Flower’s long-term vision. She will also advance leadership development, enhance employee relations, and cultivate a workplace culture that promotes service excellence.
“Mary’s outstanding leadership in human capital strategy, organizational development, and culture transformation makes her an invaluable addition to our team,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Corinne Hammons in a press release. “Her ability to drive impactful talent initiatives, develop inclusive and high-performing teams, and implement HR innovations will strengthen our organization and enhance the employee experience.”
Maguire’s career includes senior leadership roles in human resources and operations, such as Chief Operating Officer (and Global CHRO) at SAPRO, Chief Human Resources Officer at PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP, Regional Director of Human Resources at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, and Director of Human Resources at RSM. She has led transformational HR strategies, initiated award-winning DEIB programs, optimized talent management, and driven operational efficiency, positioning organizations for sustainable growth and success.
As a recognized HR strategist and workforce development leader, Maguire holds certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE). She has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing innovative talent initiatives, promoting compensation equity, and fostering a learning, inclusion, and professional growth culture.
“I am honored to join Little Flower, an organization that is genuinely committed to transforming care into action,” said Maguire. “By building a dynamic, engaged workforce and advancing strategic people initiatives, we will strengthen our mission, empower our employees, and drive sustainable impact for the children, families, and communities we serve.”
About Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York
Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York is a nonprofit organization serving individuals and families across New York City and Long Island. Since 1929, Little Flower has been committed to improving the well-being of children, youth, adults with developmental disabilities, and families by building on their strengths and supporting their success.
Today, Little Flower’s staff provide community-based services, foster care and adoption programs, services for people with developmental disabilities, medical and behavioral health services and coordination, and residential treatment care.
Free drug testing kits, and a lot of useful advice and information were offered at a drug awareness forum at Brookhaven Town Hall on Feb. 10.
The workshop, “The More You Know… Substance Abuse Education,” was open to anyone and was presented by The Town of Brookhaven’s Department of General Services Youth Bureau Division.
The forum attracted parents, some with their children, and focused on topics such as adolescent behavior and development, reasons adolescents experiment with substances and trends in adolescent drug use.
As attendees arrived, they were handed a folder filled with informative sheets specifically directed towards parents on how to approach conversations of drug use with their children. There were also pamphlets, a printed-out version of the slideshow used and a pen and paper to take notes.
Hayden Cruz, a clinical social worker at the Youth Bureau Division, led the presentation and explained in great detail what adolescents go through when experimenting with drugs and showed the most commonly used ones. He gave advice to parents in attendance whose children struggle with this on how to approach the conversation and effectively seek help if needed.
“I just want us to keep in mind that there’s a lot of change going on and there’s a lot of unknowns for a person throughout this time period … there’s only so much that [parents] can control, but there is a way of voicing concerns and hoping that your child, the teenager, stays more focused on their own treatment and their own well being,” he said. “That takes a lot of time, a lot of trust [and] a lot of work in communication and trying to find that middle ground.”
Michelle Grisales is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
The Long Island Museum (LIM), 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook presents the 26th Annual Colors of Long Island Student Art Exhibition, opening on February 20. This highly anticipated exhibition provides a platform for hundreds of young artists from across Long Island to display their work in a professional museum setting.
‘Peanut Butter Jelly Time’ by Kelly Cabasso
Art teachers from public and private schools, spanning grades pre-K through 12, were invited to submit up to two pieces of student artwork. The exhibition’s theme, “Colors of Long Island,” encourages a broad spectrum of interpretations—some students reflect on Long Island’s scenic landscapes, while others highlight the cultural diversity that makes the region so vibrant. This year’s exhibition features a dynamic mix of media, including watercolor, sculpture, pencil, ink, oil pastel, photography, and digital art.
“With over 278 students participating, this exhibition is a testament to the remarkable talent and creativity of the young artists on Long Island,” said Samantha O’Rourke, Senior Educator at the LIM. “Each piece reflects not only the students’ artistic talent but also the dedication of art educators who inspire and guide them. It’s always incredible to see how young artists use their work to tell stories, share perspectives, and express their individuality.”
The Colors of Long Island Student Art Exhibition will be on view in the Art Museum from February 20 through May 8, 2025. For more information on programs and exhibitions, visit longislandmuseum.org
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